Chief Logan State Park Campground has fully developed facilities with hookups, tent sites, and cabin options across its 8,200-acre property. Elevation ranges between 800-1,400 feet throughout the region, with streams feeding into the Guyandotte River watershed. Most campgrounds in the Ethel area remain open from April through October, though several properties like Twin Falls Resort State Park maintain year-round availability for visitors with pets.
What to do
Hiking with pets: Nearly all trails at Twin Falls Resort State Park Campground welcome leashed dogs. One visitor noted, "Chief Logan has lots of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. I hiked the Coal Mine Trail with remnants of the coal industry decaying in the forest, then continued on the Wilderness Trail which gives you a nice view of the surrounding mountains."
Wildlife viewing: The Breaks Interstate Park area offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities during dawn and dusk hours. According to a camper, "White tail deer are frequent, and very tame. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained." Consider visiting during fall when elk viewing tours are available.
Water recreation: Stream access is plentiful at Ole Henry's Camping retreat where families appreciate the safe swimming areas. As one reviewer shared, "The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults."
What campers like
Level campsites: Rifrafters Campground receives positive feedback for their site preparation. According to one camper, "The site (19) was roomy and level. The owners were friendly." Another mentioned, "It was very peaceful and quiet at night."
Clean facilities: Bathhouses at most area campgrounds receive regular maintenance. A visitor to Kanawha State Forest noted, "New bathrooms. Sites are well spaced and clean." This cleanliness standard extends to other properties in the region.
Food options: Some campgrounds provide on-site dining, reducing the need to leave for meals. A reviewer at Ole Henry's Camping retreat mentioned, "Ole' Henry's has a very nice setup with a Giovannis pizza restaurant and camp store on site. It is privately owned and the owners are very nice."
What you should know
Road conditions: Several campgrounds require navigating steep mountain roads. A Kanawha State Forest visitor cautioned, "After you get off the highway expect narrow twists and turns to reach the park, the park itself isn't nearly as bad as the stretch between highway and park entrance."
Limited services: Many campgrounds have seasonal closures for amenities. One camper at Twin Falls noted, "Off season, so some of the amenities were closed (pool looks awesome)." Plan accordingly if visiting during shoulder seasons.
Weather impacts: The region experiences significant rainfall that affects camping conditions. A camper at Twin Falls Resort State Park Campground shared, "We had a great time all weekend with hiking, picnics, campfires and ghost hunting. However, on Sunday night a strong storm came through that brought down trees with its fierce wind and torrential rain."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple pet-friendly camping areas near Ethel, West Virginia offer dedicated play spaces for children. At Backwoods Camping & RV Park, "The staff are very easy to work with - they will sell and chop the wood you need, let you put your tent in any of the open grass areas around the lot."
Water activities: Many families appreciate the swimming options at area campgrounds. One visitor to Ole Henry's noted, "The playground area has a nice swing set and a couple big wooden play structures. There is drain pipe slides coming off one of the hillsides that is a kid favorite."
Affordable recreation: Look for parks with budget-friendly activities. A camper at Twin Falls noted, "Campers can also use the facility for $10/day or $32/month for a family of four… Deal!" These recreational centers often include indoor options for rainy days.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers should research specific sites before booking. At Rifrafters, one camper advised, "Up front is a regular campground but we are in the back, secluded and peaceful. Site 34. There are about 8 nice sites out back with water and electricity."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require equipment for leveling. A visitor to Twin Falls mentioned, "The campground itself isn't really all that great, prepare for some levelling." Bring leveling blocks, especially for larger rigs.
Electric options: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Ethel provide varying hookup capabilities. At East Fork (WV), sites offer electric and water connections, though some campers note limited amenities: "Not a lot to do unless you have a boat, but it's a scenic area."
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